bill adding crisis training for new teachers

The text as introduced · 462 words

90R1882 JDK-D

By: González of El Paso
H.B. No. 339

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the training requirements for public school educators

regarding behavioral interventions and supports.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Sections 21.044(a-1) and (c-1), Education Code,

are amended to read as follows:

(a-1) Any training requirements for a certificate specified

under Subsection (a) must require that the person demonstrate:

(1) basic knowledge of:

(A) each disability category under the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400

et seq.) and how each category can affect student learning and

development; and

(B) conditions that may be considered a

disability under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.

Section 794), and how a condition covered by that section can affect

student learning and development;

(2) competence in the use of proactive instructional

planning techniques that:

(A) provide flexibility in the ways:

(i) information is presented;

(ii) students respond or demonstrate

knowledge and skills; and

(iii) students are engaged;

(B) reduce barriers in instruction;

(C) provide appropriate accommodations,

supports, and challenges; and

(D) maintain high achievement expectations for

all students, including students with disabilities and students of

limited English proficiency;

(3) competence in the use of evidence-based inclusive

instructional practices, including:

(A) general and special education collaborative

and co-teaching models and approaches;

(B) multitiered systems of support, including

response to intervention strategies, classroom and school level

data-based collaborative structures, and evidence-based strategies

for intervention and progress monitoring systems in academic areas;

(C) classroom management techniques using

evidence-based behavioral intervention strategies and supports ,

including crisis prevention and intervention techniques ; and

(D) appropriate adaptation strategies, including

accommodations, modifications, and instruction in the use of

assistive technology for instruction; and

(4) thorough understanding of and competence in the

use of open education resource instructional materials included on

the list of approved instructional materials maintained by the

State Board of Education under Section 31.022 in each subject area

and grade level covered by the person's certificate.

(c-1) The minimum academic qualifications for a certificate

specified under Subsection (a) must require that the person

receive, as part of the training required to obtain that

certificate, instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse,

and youth suicide. The instruction required must:

(1) be provided through:

(A) a program selected from the list of

recommended best practice-based programs and research-based

practices established under Section 38.351; or

(B) a course offered by any accredited public or

private postsecondary educational institution as part of a degree

program; and

(2) include effective strategies, including

de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral interventions and

supports, for teaching and intervening with students with mental

health conditions or disabilities or who engage in substance abuse.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.